The Blueprint: What People want in a Leader

Here is a description of what people want in a leader. How do you compare?

If you were to build a house, you would begin with a blueprint. This blueprint proves useful because it contains more than directions on how to build a house. It also describes the finished house.

So, what does this have to do with leadership?

If we look at the characteristics that most people want in a leader, you will find the following: 

“A good listener, enthusiasm, passion, shows appreciation, a visionary, role model, trusting, integrity, organized, knowledgeable, credibility, persuasive, charisma, team building, clarity of purpose, problem solver, attitude of service, leads by example, patience, willing to act without complete knowledge, understands followers, consistent, empowers other people, and adapts to change.”

1.    Notice what the list contains. All characteristics related to the “human” side of leadership. I wonder if people know that for some leaders these characteristics are difficult, however; possessing them shows a lot of strength.  Not all leaders are capable of this.  I believe partly because they are trying to get the work done (Type A Personality) and may forget the importance of being appreciative, etc.  They miss the touchy, feely side of things.

2.    It is good to Note that this list does not include, stern, mean, serious, short tempered, vindictive, tough, angry, harsh, punitive, controlling, violent, or ruthless. And that's interesting because many popular representations of leadership emphasize at least one of these "hard" characteristics. In fact, these characteristics are the refuge of those who lack the strength (or the skills) to apply the human side of leadership.  That’s interesting.

How would you rate yourself as a leader compared to the positive characteristics?
If you were to survey the people who work with you, how would they describe your leadership? Would they list characteristics from the "soft" list or from the "hard" list?
Could you become more effective by improving upon any of the "soft" characteristics?
How about the other leaders in your organization? Do they truly maximize human potential?

People want leaders who treat them with genuine compassion, courtesy, and respect. They want leaders who help them become better people and more successful. They want leaders who inspire them with a vision and show them how to get there.

- Kim